You Wanted Space! We’re Done, Dr. Whitmore Chapter 09

You Wanted Space! We’re Done, Dr. Whitmore Chapter 09

Five in the morning.

The alarm hit like a slap.

This time. It wasn’t for a morning study session with Sophie.

It was for her wedding.

Sophie hadn’t changed at all since high school. Still slumped in the makeup chair. Eyelids drooping. Head bobbing-like she was about to face-plant into the vanity. The makeup artist kept catching her chin just in

time.

I unwrapped a piece of candy and slipped it into her mouth.

She didn’t even open her eyes. Just knew.

“Claire!”

Sophie spun around, eyes bright, locking onto me.

“You came!”

That smile.

It was exactly the same as seventeen.

Back then, I’d sneak candy into her desk between classes. She’d find it, whip around-and give me that exact

look.

If it weren’t for the wedding dress, I’d swear we were about to pull out our textbooks and struggle through calculus together.

Like yesterday, we were still stuck on the same math problem.

Today. She was getting married.

My eyes started to burn. The edges of the room blurred.

“This bouquet was meant for you.”

Sophie pointed at the lily of the valley on the vanity. Let out a sigh.

“I was going to have you bring a plus-one. Then toss the bouquet straight to you.

So that’s why she kept nagging me to bring someone.

Sophie blinked at me.

“I’m walking into the grave of inarriage alone. That’s enough. You stay outside.”

I laughed despite myself.

The groom walked over, his eyes soft on Sophie.

“Baby. If you’re walking into that grave with me-it means you really love me.”

They leaned into each other, laughing.

Right then.

It finally hit me.

My best friend was actually getting married.

All that lighthearted excitement I’d been carrying suddenly hardened into something heavier.

Then we got to Grandview Hotel.

And it got heavier.

I stepped outside to the corridor. Needed air.

Breathed in. Breathed out.

Turned around.

And collided with a familiar figure.

Adrian.

“You said Sophie’s wedding needed a plus-one.”

He stepped closer. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Reached out and tucked a strand of hair from my forehead.

“So I took the day off.”

A pause.

“When are you coming back?”

My voice went flat.

“Today is Sophie’s day. I’m not doing this here. Whatever you want to say. It can wait.”

Adrian pressed his lips together. Didn’t push. Stepped aside.

The ceremony began.

Then came the vows.

The officiant asked the groom to say something to his bride.

He took the microphone. Looked at Sophie.

“You’re the most independent, strongest woman I’ve ever met, You’re used to handling everything on your

own. And you always get it done.”

His eyes glistened.

“But today–I want to make you a promise. From now on, with me-you don’t have to be independent all the time. You can say you’re tired. Admit you need help. Hand the hard stuff over.”

“I want to be your safe harbor.”

“Not just a view you pass by on your journey.”

“I want you to rely on me more.”

“I want you to need me. To text me. To share your life with me. Because that kind of sharing-it’s a rare

kind of romance.”

“Whatever happens-tell me.”

“Every time my phone buzzes, I want it to be you.”

Applause rippled through the room.

And through the crowd.

I saw Adrian.

Standing by the door. Watching the groom. Quiet. Like he was turning something over.

Then he must have felt my gaze.

Because he turned.

Across the sea of people, our eyes locked.

This scene.

It reminded me of the first time I saw Adrian. High school orientation. He’d turned like that – across the crowd-and his eyes had hit me.

That moment. I’d fallen for him. Because of that.

Now?

I looked at him.

Nothing.

Just stillness.